Is it legal for a team to put a red light (most likely bright LEDs) on their robot? I’ve searched the rules and can’t find it. Obviously, green is out of the question, but if we were to put a red light on the robot, would we be breaking any of the electrical system/allowable materials/safety rules?
(I’d rather not say why we’re doing this just yet, so please don’t ask.)
If it passes the flow chart, then it’s probably okay. In years past, teams have used LEDs as non-functional decorations, and as optical encoders. I suspect that if you’re using it for something like this (and not as a distraction for the vision system), then it should continue to pass muster this year. Also, we have all used the LED squares in the past, and the diagnostic signal light this year, and I would take this as indication from FIRST that extraneous lights are okay. (But really, the most important thing to keep in mind is the flow chart.)
We used a blue light that flashed and tured red occasionally last year. So… yeah.
This would be considered a “non-functional decoration” as per FIRST rules.
Check the manual for that terminology.
I’m not sure of the rules about that exactly but that’s a starting place.
Not if it has a function that could alter the outcome of a match it isn’t. And I’m assuming that because he won’t tell us why, it would.
<R108> Decorations must not affect the outcome of the match, and must be in the spirit of “Gracious
Professionalism.”
I agree. I read it kinda quick.
Sean’s rule quote is valid.
It is functional (it would effect the outcome of the match.) However, it does meet the flowchart requirements (as an additional electronic component,) so I guess it would be legal and GP. Thanks everyone for the insight.
Thank you also to Kevin Gay, for being able to read my mind. Yes Kevin, we thought of that already, and we may use it.
Ed,
It may meet the flowchart but still be disallowed if there is anyone who thinks it could interfere with another robot. If challenged at an event, the judging staff and/or inspector would be asked for closer scrutiny. If you are using it for a tally system to let your operator know when you are correctly positioned for scoring it is likely OK but you can port that data back to the OI and use one of the LED outputs on the OI for that purpose without drawing attention to your robot. If you are still unsure, PM me and we can discuss this further.
use infra-red if it’s to ‘see’ something…
It should be legal. But, to avoid confusion of team color, you might want to choose Amber or white LEDS.
This entry from the Q&A system seems toapply here. I’m not sure what they mean by structured light sources, but obviously no laser pointers.